Features in cars have come a long way – from LED lights and touchscreens to ventilated seats and connected car tech. While some of these features come in handy and work as intended, others make one question why they exist in the first place. Here's a list of annoying car features that are frustrating to deal with, and I'm sure you'd relate to these.
1. Touchscreen-based HVAC and other controls
Having to take your eyes off the road can pose a safety risk.
Using features in yesteryear cars was simple. Every function was controlled by a physical button – from adjusting volume to changing your audio source. This made it easier to change settings while driving. However, with touch panels and screens taking over, they've traded form over function.
Some cars today have every function crammed into their touchscreens. Using a huge screen with its small buttons and sub menus within menus is confusing. Getting acquainted with such screens can be tiresome and a huge distraction, taking away from the driving experience. Most drivers end up taking their eyes off the road to use these, which poses a safety risk.
2. Turning off ADAS features every time you turn your car on
If you don't prefer ADAS, you can't forget to turn it off in some cars.
With poor, unmarked roads and chaotic traffic – especially in urban environments – ADAS, while a good-to-have safety feature, hasn't found its use in India yet. Drivers who prefer their own instincts choose to turn the feature off; however, some cars don’t remember their changed settings, while some don’t let you turn off all ADAS settings.
This creates an unnecessary routine that takes a good amount of time, since the functions have to be turned off via touchscreen. Things could take a turn for worse if you forget, especially in stop-and-go traffic, where a two- or three-wheeler, a person, or an animal can suddenly come your way, triggering the automatic emergency brake (AEB). This increases the risk of being rear-ended if the system reacts unnecessarily.
3. Unnecessary voice prompts/alerts/notifications/chimes/warnings
Loud beeps for numerous reasons not only distract but also affect confidence.
Cars from the past had a peaceful driving experience. But with new alerts in the name of safety, they end up being sickening. Rear seat belt alerts, for example, keep beeping at drivers even when there are no rear passengers. Similarly, safety alerts for ADAS and proximity sensors around your car overreact by issuing loud beeps, despite your car being at a safe distance from other vehicles. The sudden verbal feedback can erode your confidence while driving and question your ability to judge your surroundings.
4. Capacitive touch buttons on the steering
Where does one hold their hands on the steering wheel comfortably?
Steering-mounted controls for handling calls and media are generally useful, letting you control the required functions with ease and without distraction. Earlier controlled by physical buttons, they've now been replaced with touch-sensitive buttons. Gone are the days when steering wheel buttons were ergonomic. When you grip the wheel nowadays, you accidentally activate the capacitive touch buttons and end up triggering unwanted functions, which is frustrating.
5. Engine auto start/stop
Good intentions, but not good execution.
Engine auto start/stop is a feature that turns off your engine when idling at a traffic stop. If not calibrated well, the feature turns off your engine before you even come to a stop. Moreover, it takes a lot more time to restart your engine and increases the load on the starter motor, thereby reducing its life. The feature can be irritating, especially in slow-moving traffic, where there's a lot of stop-and-go movement.
6. Ambient lighting
A disturbing feature that affects driving focus.
Ambient lighting is a common feature in cars these days, and it enhances the overall cabin experience. While some manufacturers do it subtly, it does go well with the in-cabin experience. However, when overdone, it can be quite disturbing.
When synced with ADAS and other features, it's also used for visual alerts, which can be intrusive and take away your focus from driving, posing another safety risk.
